Thanks for your interest in SRU. Here is a list of things I would like to hear in a percussion audition:
Things required of everyone's audition:
- Pitch Matching at Piano
- Sight Singing
- Sight Clapping of Rhythms
- Theory Test
- Piano Proficiency Form and Test
- Interview
Snare drum:
- A concert etude (something out of the texts by Goldenberg, Peters, Cirone, Delecleuse, Albright, etc.)
- A rudimental piece or etude (optional)
- Sight reading
Marimba/Xylophone:
- Two mallet solo or etude (a piece from Goldenberg, Whaley, Cirone, Peters etc.)
- Four mallet solo or etude (optional)
- Sight reading
Timpani (optional):
- Two, three or four drum etude or solo
- Tuning
Drumset (optional):
- Styles at various tempos, could include: swing, swing with brushes, jazz waltz, shuffle, rock, funk, samba, bossa nova, mambo/songo
- Soloing in swing (trading fours, or eights)
- Sight reading
Hand Drums (optional)
Also, please keep the following in mind while preparing for your audition:
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I would much rather hear slow and accurate than fast and sloppy.
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Do not stop once you have begun playing your pieces (including sight reading), perform them.
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Work on your sight reading. It is one of the biggest separating factors for percussionists.
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Dress appropriately. Look and act as a professional.
Any further questions about percussion auditions can be directed to: david.glover@sru.edu